Fiji make emotional appeal to Lure Mark Nawaqanitawase away from Wallabies ahead of Rugby world cup

Fiji Rugby Union is hoping that national pride, cultural identity and family heritage will convince Mark Nawaqanitawase to represent the Flying Fijians at next year’s Rugby World Cup, despite Australia’s ability to offer greater financial and commercial rewards.

With the dual international considering his future in the 15-a-side game, Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday has made an emotional appeal to the former Wallabies winger, highlighting the significance of representing his ancestral homeland.

Speaking to Reuters, Sanday acknowledged that Fiji could not compete financially with Australia but insisted that playing for the Pacific nation would offer something far more meaningful.

“We will never be able to offer the financial and the marketing rewards that playing for the Wallabies would offer Mark, but we would offer something that goes deeper,” Sanday said.

“It’s about identity. It’s about who we are, and we are Fijians.”

Sanday also emphasised Fiji’s achievements on the international rugby stage despite the country’s relatively small population, describing the nation as a proud competitor capable of punching above its weight.

Nawaqanitawase Weighs Up International Future

Nawaqanitawase, 26, recently completed his stint with the Sydney Roosters, helping the club secure the National Rugby League (NRL) title earlier this month.

The talented winger is now preparing to return to rugby union, having agreed to a two-year contract with Japanese club Wild Knights.

Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Les Kiss is keen to secure the winger’s services for next year’s World Cup. However, Nawaqanitawase declined an opportunity to join Australia’s squad for the Nations Championship Tests and has indicated that he will not make a decision about his international future until next year.

The Australian-Fijian, who also has Italian heritage, recently explained that sporting ambition rather than financial gain would be the main factor behind his next career decision.

Speaking on The Good, the Bad & the Rugby podcast, he made it clear that he still had plenty to achieve.

“I still have more to prove. I don’t know where that’s going to be, but wherever I go, I feel like I have a lot to give the team,” he said.

“Whoever it’s for, I want to go and win it.”

Fiji Hope Family Heritage Will Influence Decision

Nawaqanitawase has previously spoken fondly about his Fijian roots, recalling a childhood surrounded by relatives from Fiji and regular school holiday visits to his ancestral village.

He described growing up playing touch rugby with friends, sometimes using coconuts or bottles as makeshift balls, alongside playing volleyball and swimming in the river.

Those memories and family connections could play a significant role in determining which country he represents on the international stage.

Sanday believes Nawaqanitawase’s ancestral ties give Fiji a compelling reason to pursue his commitment.

“He is one of us. He’s a Fijian. He has a village where his father is from. He has a tribe and a clan to where he belongs,” the Fiji Rugby Union chairman said.

Nevertheless, Sanday acknowledged that the winger has every right to choose Australia, stressing that Fiji would respect his decision regardless of the outcome.

The chairman even suggested a compromise, inviting Nawaqanitawase to represent Fiji for a year before potentially returning to the Australian setup.

“I’d say that we would like to see him come and just play a year for us, and then he can go back to the Aussies,” Sanday said.

With the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, Nawaqanitawase’s decision could become one of the most closely watched international selection stories in rugby, as Fiji hopes that heritage and national pride will prove more persuasive than Australia’s financial advantages.